Volunteers donated more than $5.5M to Oakland center

When talking about mediation, many people think it is a type of practice in which individuals use techniques designed to promote relaxation or build internal energy to enjoy an indestructible sense of well-being. It’s also been perceived as a type of counseling where individuals receive guidance in resolving personal, social or psychological problems from a professional. These assumptions could not be more wrong. Mediation is an alternative to the judicial process.  Mediation involves mutual problem solving, where the parties in dispute generate options they believe would best resolve the conflict.

For 25 years, Oakland Mediation Center (OMC), a non-profit, volunteer based organization, has helped to unmask perceptions about mediation and turn conflicts into solutions for residents, businesses, courts, and schools throughout Oakland County.

OMC is able to offer mediation services in Oakland county for little to no cost because of the support of its community volunteer mediators, a dedicated group of specially trained, intelligent individuals who have a passion for helping the community to resolve conflict peacefully. Since 1990 OMC’s volunteers have empowered 209,249 individuals to peacefully resolve conflict through mediation and education.  OMC’s volunteers have donated 35,906 in-kind hours to OMC—a contribution value of $5,525,383.

“OMC has facilitated the resolution of thousands of personal, business, legal, and educational issues through the efforts of our highly-skilled, State Court Administrative Office trained and experienced volunteer mediators,” said OMC Executive Director Bonnie Hanes. “Half of our volunteers have between 5 to 20 years of experience.  Many have been with us for over 20 years and several have been awarded the distinguished Presidential Service Award for hours of service contributed.”

To celebrate this tremendous contribution, OMC will host a 25th celebration on Friday, October 30, at the Lafayette Grande in Pontiac.  The “25 Years of Resolution, Masquerade Gala” will include cocktails, dinner, and dancing.

The honorary chair for the Masquerade is Oakland County Executive, L. Brooks Patterson. Charlie Langton of CBS Detroit has signed on for the event as Master of Ceremonies.  Both community leaders exhibit the same values of peaceful resolution of conflict that OMC is committed to.

For additional information on Oakland Mediation Center their 25th Anniversary Masquerade Gala, call 248-338-4280 or visit their website at www.mediation-omc.org.

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